Kristian Ferrell
Dribbling is one of the most important skills in basketball, and improving your dribbling can help you and your team have more opportunities on the court. The good news is that dribbling is a skill that can be practiced alone and improved relatively easily, as it doesn't require a lot of space or equipment. There are numerous drills that can help you improve your dribbling, such as the popular Maravich Drills, which involve dribbling the ball in a figure eight around your legs. Other drills include dribbling between your legs, doing crossovers, and dribbling with two basketballs at the same time. It's important to practice outside your comfort zone and to incorporate dribbling into your daily routine, even if it's just for a few minutes a day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Drills | "Maravich Drills", Figure 8, Cone drills, Chair drills, 1v1 drills, etc. |
| Practice | Spend time with a ball in your hand, practice outside your comfort zone, practice in game-like situations |
| Tips | Keep your eyes up, dribble with your fingertips, use a heavy ball, practice with two balls, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Practice dribbling in competitive, game-like situations
Once you have a feel for the ball, it's important to practice dribbling in competitive, game-like situations. This will help you develop your ball-handling skills and improve your performance during actual games.
There are numerous dribbling drills that can help you practice in game-like situations. For example, the "Three Pit Bull" drill, where players must use their bodies and off-arm to protect their ball while attempting to dislodge others' balls, promotes quick reflexes and effective ball protection skills. It also encourages players to maintain awareness of their surroundings, which is crucial in a real game.
Another drill, called "Dribble Chaos", involves players forming two lines in a cross formation, each holding two basketballs. They dribble their balls, crossing one another and communicating their positions to avoid collisions. This drill focuses on dribbling and communicating in high-pressure situations, simulating the challenges of an actual game.
You can also create your own drills or modify existing ones to suit your needs. For instance, you could add dribbling to your stretching exercises. An example of this is the Hamstring Stretch, where you dribble with your right hand while crossing your right leg over your left, bending at the waist, and touching the floor with your left hand.
Practicing in game-like situations will help you apply your dribbling skills in a competitive context, enhancing your performance and decision-making abilities during an actual basketball game.
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Use dribbling drills, such as the Maravich Drills
To improve your basketball dribbling, it is important to practice dribbling drills. One such set of drills is the "Maravich Drills", named after the late ball-handling legend Pete "Pistol Pete" Maravich. These drills emphasise ball handling and dribbling using various techniques, such as the figure 8, front flip, and spider dribble.
The Maravich Drills are a great way to get players comfortable with the basketball. One of the drills, known as the "Figure 8 Dribble", involves dribbling the ball in a figure eight pattern around both legs. Players should widen their stance with their legs about shoulder-width apart and dribble the ball through and around their legs. As the ball moves from one side to the other, players should switch the dribbling hand, with the non-dribbling hand staying between the legs, ready to make the switch. As players get more comfortable, they should increase the speed and lower the dribble.
Another drill in the Maravich series is the "Spider Dribble", which involves dribbling with both hands in front and behind the legs in rapid succession. To increase the difficulty, players can try holding the ball behind their knees, letting go, clapping, and catching it before it hits the ground. For an easier variation, the spider dribble can be performed sitting down on a bench.
In addition to these drills, the Maravich series also includes exercises such as "Ball Slaps", "Finger Tips", "Ball Circles", and "Ball Wraps - One Leg". These drills help improve ball control and emphasise the use of finger tips and finger pads instead of the palm.
It is important to remember that new skills take time and consistent practice to master. Players should not be discouraged if they don't see immediate results, but rather focus on putting in the work every day and gradually progressing through the drills.
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Try the Kyrie bag the ball technique
Kyrie Irving, widely regarded as one of the best ball-handlers in NBA history, used a simple household item to master his dribbling skills – a plastic bag. Irving got the idea from watching a Baron Davis documentary, where the two-time NBA All-Star used the trick to train his ball handling.
To try the Kyrie bag the ball technique, simply tie a basketball up inside a plastic bag and then practice your dribbling. The plastic bag makes the ball more slippery, reduces its bounce off the floor, and causes unpredictable bounces, especially with a knot tied to keep the bag on. This makes dribbling more difficult, and when you return to dribbling a regular basketball, you'll have better control.
You can also try this technique with a deflated basketball, or by putting plastic bags inside the ball. As you improve, you can also try dribbling with a heavy ball, or with lightweight cotton gloves, which will make the ball harder to control.
Remember, dribbling is one of the easiest skills to practice, as it doesn't require a court, partner, or much space. You can practice dribbling anywhere, and the more time you spend with a ball in your hand, the better your ball control will be.
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Practice dribbling with cones
Practising dribbling with cones is an effective way to improve your basketball dribbling skills. This method can be used by a single player and does not require the whole team to be on the court. It is also a great way to simulate defenders, taking skill development to another level.
One dribbling drill with cones involves dribbling at a cone and then stopping right in front of it. Next, you would dribble all the way around the cone with controlled fingertip dribbles. Once a full rotation has been completed, you would move on to the next cone. You can also change hands and go around each cone with your left hand. Instead of small dribbles, try moving your whole body in a circle around the cone before advancing.
Another drill involves dribbling through cones using various change-of-direction moves and attacking the basket. After taking a shot, the player widens out to the corner and cuts hard off the cone, simulating a cut off a screen. The player then receives a pass from the coach for a shot. Some examples of change-of-direction moves include crossovers, between the legs, behind the back, and in/out moves.
Cone dribbling drills are physically demanding and help improve balance, precision, stamina, and skill. By practising these drills, players can improve their muscle memory and gain an edge over their opponents.
It is important to note that dribbling is a skill that can be practised outside of your comfort zone. Experiment with different speeds and techniques, and don't be afraid to lose the ball. Additionally, dribbling can be practised individually, without the need for a court or partner, making it easily accessible for players.
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Practice dribbling with a partner
Practising dribbling with a partner is an excellent way to improve your skills and prepare for competitive, game-like situations. Here are some drills that can be performed with a partner to enhance your dribbling abilities:
Simulate Defensive Pressure
This drill helps build strength in your dribbling arm and improves your ability to maintain control under pressure. Have your partner apply light resistance as you dribble to simulate defensive pressure. Focus on sharp, quick movements to deceive your partner and create opportunities for drives to the basket.
Reactionary Dribbling
This drill enhances your responsiveness on the court. Have your partner call out specific dribbling actions, forcing you to adapt instantly and improve your reaction time.
1-on-1 Dribbling
Use both ends of the court for this drill. Each player has a partner they go against 1-on-1, and each pair has a ball. The offensive player with the ball starts at the top of the key and tries to make a move or shoot, while the defender attempts to stop the offence, box out, and get the rebound. This drill simulates actual game situations and helps players improve their dribbling and decision-making skills.
Two-Ball Dribbling
This drill improves ball handling while changing directions at different speeds. Start at the baseline with a basketball in each hand. Dribble both balls to the near free-throw line and return to the baseline. Repeat this process, gradually increasing the distance until you reach the other baseline.
Passing and Close-Outs
Partners should be about 12-15 feet apart for this drill, and each should have a ball. Simultaneously, roll the balls to each other and then sprint to make a close-out. After a few dribbles, switch roles, with the defender containing the ball. This drill improves dribbling, passing, and footwork.
Remember, it's important to practice outside your comfort zone. Experiment with different drills, go faster or harder than you're used to, and always be willing to challenge yourself.
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Frequently asked questions
Practice dribbling every day, even if it's just for 10-5 minutes. Try out different drills, such as dribbling with a ball in each hand or the figure 8 drill. Focus on improving your ball handling skills and don't be afraid to experiment and go outside your comfort zone.
You can try the "Maravich Drills", named after the legendary Pete Maravich. These drills focus on challenging your dribbling skills and improving your ball handling. Set up some cones or use a chair as a prop to simulate a defender, and practice dribbling around them. You can also try dribbling with two basketballs or using a heavier ball to improve your strength and control.
It's important to practice in game-like situations with defenders present. This will help you improve your dribbling skills in a more realistic setting. You can also try to incorporate dribbling into your stretching exercises to save time and add a sense of urgency to your workouts.
Many people only practice what they are comfortable with, which can slow down their progress. It's important to challenge yourself and practice outside your comfort zone. Another mistake is looking at the ground while dribbling. Focus on your surroundings instead, just as you would during a game.
Yes, try practicing crossovers, between-the-legs, and behind-the-back dribbles. These moves will help you get a better feel for the ball and improve your overall ball handling skills. Remember to always have a basketball with you, even if you're just doing everyday tasks.
